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Culture
Culture, in India, although diverse and varied, still binds the country together in some form of common identification. Indian culture, particularly drama and the arts, in spite of having passed through many changes, is characterized by an unmistakable unity and continuity. Though there are diverse languages, religions, traditions, festivals and attire, the rich heritage of the culture survives! Indians, even today, are highly influenced by the traditions and values of the yesteryears despite the recent movement toward westernization.Each state of India has its own set of norms to live by. There is a vast variety of ethnic types having differences in their domestic arrangements, what they eat, what they wear, social practices they follow and ceremonies they observe at different seasons of the year and at birth, marriage and death. The religions followed are Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoraostrianism, Islam and Christianity.Therefore while it is easy to sense that India or 'Indian' is different from other major civilizations, it is very difficult to define conclusively what is essentially Indian, or to see how such a diversity of peoples and cultures can be related to one and other.
Arts
The world has been enticed by India's riches in arts and crafts throughout history. Over the Centuries, India's rich art and traditions, are either forgotten, or misinterpreted due to a lack of authentic information.The traditional crafts continue to be at the highest level, each carrying with them a legend of it's rich heritage. Each state and region specialises in different arts and depending on it’s historical influences, traditional skills and various raw materials available in and around the area. India is well known for skills in paintings, embroidery, sculptures in wood, metal, stone, puppetry, mask making and temple carvings.Basic Facts Indian Culture Indian Cuisine
Classical Dances
Classical Indian dance and music have their origins dating back to the days of the 'Vedas'. They are very closely related to the Hindu religion and Indian culture. Although temple dancing is no longer practiced, classical Indian dancing is still based on its Hindu roots. Indian dance is divided into 'nritta' - the rhythmic elements, 'nritya', the combination of rhythm with expression and 'natya', the dramatic element. To appreciate natya, or dance drama, you have to understand and appreciate the Hindu legends and mythology. Classical dance is divided into four basic forms known as 'Bharath Natyam', 'Kathakali', 'Manipuri' and 'Kathak'.Basic Facts Indian Culture Indian Cuisine
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